Optical circulator for dispersion compensation

摘要

Dispersion compensation is achieved in an optical communications system by using an optical circulator with first, second, and third ports. The first and third ports are connected to system optical fibers. The second port is connected to a dispersion compensating fiber and return means. The signal passes through the dispersion compensating fiber twice permitting shorter dispersion compensating fibers to be used than were previously used. A Faraday rotator may be used compensate for the polarization mode dispersion of the fiber.